ISTANBUL

• has an impressive setting straddling Europe and Asia
• is criss-crossed by water and is a city of dramatic views where there is an ever-present contrast between land and sea, new and old, cosmopolitan and traditional
• is the former capital of 3 empires and guards precious monuments that span 2 millennia and four cultures
• is a fascinating mixture of monuments that draw their inspiration from many sources, yet merge happily in a setting distinctly Turkish and Ottoman
• has a unique historical and cultural background but also offers modern hotels, exclusive restaurants and the most up-to-date meeting, convention and conference facilities

ISTANBUL OVER CENTURIES

Although there have been people living around for 6-7 thousand years, Istanbul has been become a centre of civilizations only 2.700 years ago. Since it was situated in an unique position to control the north-south traffic of the world due to its role as a connection betweeen the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Europe and Asia, it has rapidly developed and has become the capitol city of three empires ( Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman). Istanbul could not be more than a city-state in the antique age and had to wait for Romans for a rapid development. While Europe had gone into darkness in the Middle ages, Istanbul, under the Byzantian rule, had become the shining star of those days. It was opulent to present the Hagia Sophia to the world civilization when palaces, temples of the past civilizations where abondoned to ruins in Europe.

After the city was conquere by the Ottomans in 1453, it has become one of the biggest and richest cities of the age with the arrival of the treasures and riches brought from Asia and Europe by the Ottomans and artists and masters who have rushed to the capital city of the empire from those states. Istanbul has not lots its glamour even in the regression and destruction periods of the Ottomans and always stayed as the glittering showroom of the Ottoman Empire which was domestically corrupted. After the declaration of Turkish Republic, Istanbul has gone through a deep change. The change spreaded to the north of the Golden Horn with an unbeliavable speed to form brand new modern settlements. Today Istanbul is a very distinguished world city which lives couple of the ages at the same time and presents the history to those who can see.

TASTING ISTANBUL

Istanbul is one of the few metropols in the world that vibrates 24 hours a day. A city that remains active 24 hours is one where the locals can always find open restaurants, entertainment spots and streets where they can wander around any time of the day.

Loose yourself in the wonders of the city and wish you were like a “fish in a raki bottle” as most appropriately stated in the words of famous poet, Orhan Veli...

A day in Istanbul starts with a typical Turkish breakfast consists of slices of beyaz peynir (white cheese), honey or jam, black olives, boiled eggs and slices of fresh Turkish bread. After the breakfast; Topkapi Palace; imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury Hagia Sofhia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor, Justinian Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sofhia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets.......and more, waiting you discover in the old city.

Even before the term became apart of the western vocabulary while people rushing to and fro in the hectic rhythm of everyday life in the city, Istanbul lived on the fast food. While discovering the old city, you will have chance to taste “Sultanahmet Köftesi”, “Döner”, “Sis Kebap”, “Lahmacun” etc. You would miss a chance if you leave old city, shopping in the worlds most convenient bazaars. You will enjoy walking through the 15th century Covered Bazaar’s labyrinthine streets with 4,000 shops, restaurants and coffee houses. Innumerable choices for carpets, kilims and jewelery will greet you. One last dinner and one last drink in Istanbul is a most unforgettable last wish for anyone who is a real gourmet. When discovering Istanbul, you should not leave town without tasting fish and seafood dish at any restaurant by the Bosphorus, be it luxurious or humble. You will be served the best and the freshest fishes in Istanbul. It is quite ordinary for a foreigner to order “Raki” (lion milk), considered as the Turks national drink, to accompany a palatable fish dishes and “Mezes”.